Ringing in a new hotline, interactive map for highway conditions in Oklahoma
PR# 15-051
For Immediate Release
Ringing in a new hotline, interactive map for highway conditions in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is unwrapping two new ways to communicate highway conditions and closures to the public this holiday season.
A new hotline number at 1-844-4OKHWYS (844-465-4997) and an interactive highway conditions map at www.okroads.orgare now part of ODOT’s communication tools during winter storm events. A recorded message on the hotline will provide callers with current information about highway conditions statewide while the interactive map will pinpoint conditions and closure information in an easy-to-click format.
“This hotline is a great resource for drivers to better assess the potential risks for travelling during a winter storm,” ODOT Executive Director Mike Patterson said. “The information can help them determine the best route to travel, to estimate the potential travel times or to decide if the trip should be postponed for safety.”
The new interactive map was born during this past spring’s historic flooding statewide. Road conditions were changing so rapidly and across a majority of the state that the department quickly added a new mapping tool to help motorists identify impacted highways before traveling.
The interactive map has been updated to show a variety of conditions. Snow and ice impacting highway travel will be color coded on the map. Blue highway lines will indicate moderate precipitation and to use caution while orange highway lines mean travel is not recommended in those areas. Red highway lines mean those roads are closed due to inclement conditions.
“We continually strive to improve highway safety and communicating road conditions in a timely manner is a key component of that mission,” Patterson said.
In addition to the new hotline and online map, drivers also can continue to view interstate highway travel conditions via a network of cameras and traffic sensors at www.oktraffic.org. Timely updates are also provided through ODOT’s Twitter account, @OKDOT. And the public may sign up for traffic advisories to be sent directly to their email via ODOT’s website at www.odot.org.
Crews statewide have been stocking salt and sand at ODOT facilities in every county in the past few months. Right now more than 125,000 tons of material is available for use statewide and will be applied in varying amounts depending on the conditions. The department’s salt sheds are at capacity while 550 trucks are available statewide for use in clearance operations. Snow and ice events will mean around-the-clock emergency clearance operations on highways in impacted areas.
The department spent about $15 million clearing highways and bridges during the 2014-15 winter season, using almost 120,000 man hours to keep roads safe. Winter weather operations are funded through the department’s maintenance funds.
This winter weather season also will be the first with HB 1113 in effect, which establishes a safety zone around highway maintenance vehicles and employees. This measure went into effect Nov. 1, 2015. It requires any driver approaching a parked maintenance vehicle assigned to ODOT or to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to move over into another lane if possible, or to slow down if unable to safely move over. Drivers who fail to do so could face fines up to $500 and the possibility of jail time.
Drivers also can join in the winter weather preparedness and thoroughly check vehicles prior to any trip. This should include the battery, windshield wipers and the condition of the tires. Check weather reports before heading out and allow ample time to reach destinations. Bridges are typically the first structures to feel the effects of freezing temperatures and drivers should use extreme caution even if there is no precipitation falling. Clearance operations can often last for several days following the passing of the storm, as refreezing can cause slick and hazardous conditions to persist.
---www.odot.org---
